System and method for e-mail control of an integrated communications center

ABSTRACT

A system and method for e-mail control of a digital personal video stream manager ( 102 ), for example, to program a video recording device ( 114 ). The system includes a personal computer ( 110 ) having an e-mail client ( 1802 ) and equipping the e-mail client with a DPVSM control plug in ( 1800 ). The DPVSM control plug in ( 1800 ) is adapted to identify a special DPVSM control e-mail ( 1900 ) which is then translated by the DPVSM control program ( 312 ). The digital personal video stream manager ( 102 ) then activates at the appropriate time to record the program.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly-assigned, co-pending applicationSer. No. 10/383,895, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED AUDIOSTREAM MANAGER; application Ser. No. 10/383,894, titled SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR DIGITAL PERSONAL VIDEO STREAM MANAGER; application Ser. No.10/384,483, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONSCENTER; application Ser. No. 10/384,484, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORSYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL OF A DIGITAL PERSONALMEDIA STREAM MANAGER; application Ser. No. 10/383,900, titled SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR INSTANT MESSAGING CONTROL OF AN INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONSCENTER; application Ser. No. 10/383,777, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORSHORT MESSAGE SERVICE CONTROL OF AN INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS CENTER;application Ser. No. 10/384,335, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VOICEPORTAL CONTROL OF AN INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS CENTER; and applicationSer. No. 10/384,346, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTEXT-BASEDSEARCHING AND CONTROL OF AN INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, all filedconcurrently herewith.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunications systems and, inparticular, to an improved system and method for multimediatelecommunications system management.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many modern homes today have a television, a videotape recorder, a cableor satellite connection, and a personal computer with an Internetconnection. Because these devices are relatively expensive and offercomplementary features, there have been efforts to converge thetelevision technologies with the personal computer/Internettechnologies.

For example, some personal computers have been equipped with televisiontuner cards, which allow the reception of television programming throughthe cable or satellite connection. Such television tuner cards can alsobe equipped with video capture capabilities, to allow later playback ofcaptured programming. However, equipping a personal computer with videocapabilities has not gained wide acceptance amongst the general publicas a replacement for a television, in part because the typical personalcomputer monitor is relatively small and, in particular, significantlysmaller than the typical family room television. Moreover, the typicalpersonal computer is equipped with a relatively more limited andinferior sound system, which can be disadvantageous when marketing tomodern viewers who require, for example, high-fidelity sound or even aSurround Sound system.

Another convergence approach, known as WebTV, has been to provide thetelevision with a set-top box and keyboard to allow, for example,Internet access through the television set and cable connection. Whilesuch systems are adequate for simple e-mail communication and limitedWeb browsing, WebTV also has failed to gain widespread acceptance, atleast in part because the resolution of the typical television is muchmore crude than that of the computer monitor, and can also produceformatting idiosyncrasies which can make it difficult to view many webpages.

Each of these systems suffers from additional disadvantages which mayhave contributed to the failure to develop an effective converged videosystem: Personal computers are frequently upgraded and replaced;television sets and home entertainment systems, however, have asignificantly longer life span.

As such, there is a need for a multimedia telecommunications system thatprovides improved convergence of television and personal computer basedresources. There is a further need for a convergence system that allowsthe user to maintain separate television and personal computer basedresources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other drawbacks in the prior art are overcome in large part bya system and method according to embodiments of the present invention.

A multimedia telecommunications system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention includes a media subsystem and a network subsystem.The media subsystem couples a television to a media provider via adigital personal video stream manager. The media subsystem can alsoinclude an audio system, a video recording device, and a set-top mediainterface box. The network subsystem includes a personal computer havinga network interface card and coupled to an Internet connection via amodem and a wireless network router. The digital personal video streammanager likewise includes a wireless network control and is adapted toreceive control commands from the personal computer for supervising therecording of programming using the video recording device. The digitalpersonal video stream manager can also receive and digitize broadbandmedia from the media provider and transmit it via the wireless networkto the personal computer. The personal computer can store the receivedmedia files for playback. The media files can be played back either viathe personal computer itself or via the digital personal video streammanager on the television. User interfaces on the PC or television canbe used to control media file or broadband media playback.

A digital personal video stream manager according to an embodiment ofthe present invention includes a control processor, a media interface,and one or more control interfaces. The media interface can receivebroadband audio and video and convert it into digital file format fortransmission on a wireless LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11 based wirelessLAN, to a personal computer. The media interface can likewise receivedigital media files from the personal computer via the wirelessinterface, and convert them to a format for playback by the audio systemor television. Further, the digital personal video stream manager canreceive controls from remote users to supervise media recording. Thecontrol interfaces allow control of the digital personal video streammanager, such as via infrared remote controls.

A multimedia telecommunications system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention implements an integrated audio stream manager inassociation with the digital personal video stream manager. Such anintegrated audio stream manager employs a personal computer to recordand store audio such as compact disk tracks. The personal computer canthen contact one or more Internet web sites for CD indices to download alist of the tracks and provide a master list of all CDs stored. Thedigital personal video stream manager can then be used to superviseplayback of the audio files via the connected audio system.

In certain embodiments, the multimedia telecommunications system can beprovided with and controlled by a wireless 802.11 remote control deviceto control the digital personal video stream manager from anywhere inthe house. The wireless remote may be provided with an LCD screen, an802.11 interface, and an IP telephony interface. The LCD screen providesthe user with a graphical interface that allows a user to interact withthe digital personal video stream manager in a manner similar to thatemployed when using the personal computer. In addition, the IP telephonyinterface allows the user to make and receive IP telephone calls, suchas Internet telephone calls. In such an embodiment, the personalcomputer may implement an IP telephone gateway.

One embodiment of a multimedia telecommunications system according tothe present invention includes a system for e-mail control of thedigital personal video stream manager, for example, to program a videorecording device. A system including e-mail control of the digitalpersonal video stream manager according to an embodiment of the presentinvention includes a personal computer having an e-mail client andequipping the e-mail client with a DPVSM control plug in. The DPVSMcontrol plug in is adapted to identify a special DPVSM control e-mailwhich is then translated by the DPVSM control program. The digitalpersonal video stream manager then activates at the appropriate time torecord the program.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a system forInstant Messaging based control of the digital personal video streammanager, for example, to program a video recording device. A systemincluding Instant Messaging based control of the digital personal videostream manager according to an embodiment of the present inventionincludes a personal computer having an Instant Messaging client andequipping the Instant Messaging client with a DPVSM control plug in. TheDPVSM control plug in is adapted to identify a special DPVSM controlInstant Message which is then translated by the DPVSM control program.The digital personal video stream manager then activates at theappropriate time to record the program.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a system for ShortMessage Service-based control of the digital personal video streammanager, for example, to program a video recording device. Such a systemincludes one or more cellular telephones including SMS capabilities anda DPVSM control module in the SMS server of the cellular serviceprovider. The DPVSM control module is adapted to identify a specialDPVSM control SMS message which is then translated by the DPVSM controlmodule and converted to a DPVSM Instant Message or a DPVSM e-mailcontrol message. The DPVSM Instant Message or a DPVSM e-mail controlmessage is then transmitted to the user's personal computer, where theIM or e-mail plug in translates it and uses it to control the DPVSM.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a system for voiceportal-based control of the digital personal video stream manager, forexample, to program a video recording device. Such a system includes aDPVSM control module at a server of a service provider. The DPVSMcontrol module is adapted to respond to a user calling in apredetermined phone number and using an interactive voice responsesystem, issue prompts and accept inputs for DPVSM control. The DPVSMcontrol module then converts the inputs to a DPVSM Instant Message or aDPVSM e-mail control message. The DPVSM Instant Message or a DPVSMe-mail control message is then transmitted to the user's personalcomputer, where the IM or e-mail plug in translates it and uses it tocontrol the DPVSM.

A voice portal system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention includes a voice portal with DPVSM control module providedlocally at the user's personal computer. The DPVSM control module isadapted to respond to a user calling in and, using an interactive voiceresponse system, issue prompts and accept inputs for DPVSM control.

Additional embodiments of the present invention include a context-basedsearch system. Such a system may be maintained by a service provider andcan identify a program and date and time without receiving completedetails thereof; the DPVSM can then control the recording of the programusing IM or e-mail based-techniques. The context-based search systemincludes a message receiver for receiving the DPVSM message; one or moredatabases for storing keywords and program information; a confirmationmessage generator for informing the user of identified programming; anda DPVSM control for causing the DPVSM to supervise the media recordingonce one of the identified results have been selected by the user.

A better understanding of these and other specific embodiments of theinvention is obtained when the following detailed description isconsidered in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate telecommunication systems includingdigital video stream managers according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are block diagrams of exemplary digital media streammanagers according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary multimedia computer accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate exemplary user interfaces according toembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of signaling flow according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of signaling flow according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of signaling flow according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an audio stream manager systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary user interface according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating user interaction according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a signaling diagram illustrating operation of an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a wireless local area network remotecontrol system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a wireless local area network remote controlsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a wireless local area network remotecontrol according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a signaling diagram illustrating operation of an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a signaling diagram illustrating operation of an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary e-mail system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an e-mail command window according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 is a signaling diagram illustrating operation of an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an instant messaging control systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary IM command according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a signaling diagram illustrating operation of an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a telecommunications system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a diagram of an exemplary SMS command according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an exemplary database according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a diagram of an exemplary SMS control system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 32 illustrates exemplary voice portal interaction according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B illustrate exemplary telecommunications systemsaccording to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a telecommunications system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 38 is a diagram of a telecommunications system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a signaling diagram illustrating operation of an embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 40 is a signaling diagram illustrating operation of an embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION System Overview

Turning now to the drawings and, with particular attention to FIG. 1A, amultimedia telecommunications system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is shown and generally identified by the referencenumeral 100 a. As will be discussed in greater detail below, themultimedia telecommunications system 100 a provides users with a bridgebetween their personal computer and their home entertainment system. Themultimedia telecommunications system 100 a receives broadband media(e.g., audio and video) streams from a broadband signal source, anddigitizes, encapsulates and transmits to and from a personal computerusing a local area network technology, such as a wireless LAN, forintelligent processing, recording and control from the personalcomputer. Digital video can also be captured from the Internet and sentfor playback on the home entertainment system.

In particular, shown is a multimedia telecommunications system 100 aincluding a media stream manager, referred to as a digital personalvideo stream manager 102 a (DPVSM), according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The system 100 a includes a media or homeentertainment subsystem 101 a and a network or computer subsystem 103 a.As will be described in greater detail below, the media subsystem 101 ais based around a television 116 a and other broadband media devices,while the network subsystem 103 a is based around a personal computer110 a and other local area network devices.

As shown, the DPVSM 102 a is coupled via a cable set-top box 112 a to ahouse cable connection 104 a. The cable set-top box 112 a may be anystandard cable box or broadband media interface such as, for example, asatellite dish interface. The house cable connection 104 a typically maybe a connection for a coaxial cable, but other connections arecontemplated. As shown, the DPVSM 102 a further may couple to an audiosystem 118 a, and, via a video recorder 114 a to a television 116 a. Thevideo recorder 114 a may be embodied, for example, as any of a varietyof video recording devices, including, for example, a videocassetterecorder (VCR) or an optical disk recorder. In addition, an infrared(IR) remote control 120 may be provided for control of the DPVSM 102 aand various of the other components of the system. The IR remote 120 maybe any remote capable of interacting with a television-screen basedinterface and allowing the user to make selections therefrom.

The DPVSM 102 a may be adapted to control various functions of thevarious components of the media subsystem 101 a, such as turning on andoff the various devices, or programming the video recorder for futureprogram recording. The DPVSM 102 a may program the devices via theircoaxial cable connections, in much the same way a cable company controlsoperation of the cable set-top box. In other embodiments, separatecontrol interfaces, such as wireless interfaces or infrared interfaces,may be provided. For example, if the video recording device has aninfrared interface, the DPVSM 102 a could similarly send infraredcontrol signals to the video recording device for control thereof.

As will be described in greater detail below, the DPVSM 102 a cancommunicate with elements of the network subsystem 103 a wirelessly overa local area network 107 via an 802.11 antenna 105 a. In particular, inthe embodiment illustrated, the network subsystem 103 a couples to thehouse cable connection 104 a via an Internet access device such as acable or DSL modem 106 a. It is noted that, in embodiments in which themodem is a DSL modem, an Internet connection separate from the cableconnection would be provided. The modem 106 a couples to a home 802.11router 108 a and a personal computer 110 a, which may be a laptop ordesktop computer. In the embodiment illustrated, the router 108 acouples to the modem 106 a and the PC 110 a via CAT5 cable. It is noted,however, that other interfaces, such as wireless interfaces, could beused instead of CAT5 cable. The PC 110 a is equipped with an Ethernetnetwork interface card (NIC) 107 a, or other network interface, forcommunicating with the router 108 a. As will be described in greaterdetail below, the PC 110 a is able to communicate, for example, controlcommands 4555, with the DPVSM 102 a via the wireless router 108 a, tocontrol various elements of the media subsystem 101 a. It is noted thatan advantage of certain embodiments of the DPVSM 102 is that it need notprovide its own mass storage device for storing media files; rather, itcan make use of the personal computer 110 a's storage.

More particularly, turning now to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of theexemplary DPVSM 102 a of FIG. 1A is shown. In the embodimentillustrated, the DPVSM 102 a includes a control processor 202 and anaudiovisual or multimedia interface 204. The multimedia interface 204receives audio and/or video over the cable connection 104 a (FIG. 1A) orother audio/video input to a multimedia interface such as an audio/videoanalog-to-digital converter 206. The video signal is then received at acompression circuit 208 for conversion into, for example, MPEG format.The MPEG video is then provided to an Ethernet interface 210 for packinginto Ethernet packets. The Ethernet packets are then provided to a localarea network interface, such as a wireless 802.11 interface 212 fortransmission to the 802.11 router, if desired. The video can then betransmitted to the personal computer 110 (FIG. 1A). Thus, the DPVSM 102a provides an interface for receiving video signals from the cable orsatellite TV connection, and converting them into a digital formatreadable by the personal computer 110.

Similarly, Internet audio and video content can be received by the802.11 router 212 from the personal computer 110 a and displayed overthe television or recorded on the video recording device 114 a. Thus,the data is unpacked from the Ethernet packets at 214. If in, forexample, MPEG format, the resulting data is decompressed in thedecompression unit 216 and provided to the video recording device 114 aor television 116 a via the audio/video digital-to-analog converter 218.It is noted that, in certain embodiments, the audio-video signalarriving over the cable connection and cable box may already be indigital format. Thus, the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analogconverters 206, 218 may not be necessary, although conversion betweendigital formats may be required.

The control processor 202, which may be embodied as a Pentium-type orother microprocessor or microcontroller, provides a supervisory functionfor the other components of the media subsystem 101 a and can receiveand store commands in memory 203 for later execution, such as recordinga program using the video recording device 114 a, as will be explainedin greater detail below. The control processor 202 is thus coupled tosend and receive control signals via the wireless 802.11 interface 212.The control processor 202 may also be coupled to or implement othercontrol interfaces, such as an infrared module interface 222, aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) interface 220, and a television userinterface 224.

The USB interface 220 allows peripheral devices to be coupled in andplayed back; for example, a camera could be coupled to the USB interface220. The television user interface 224 is used to generate a userinterface for display on the television screen, in much the same waythat a videocassette recorder or digital versatile disk (DVD) playerprovides a control interface. The IR module 222 allows reception ofcommands and selections using an IR remote control 120 in conjunctionwith the television user interface 220.

As noted above, a multimedia telecommunications system according toembodiments of the present invention includes a media subsystem 101 aand a network subsystem 103 a. The network subsystem 103 a is basedaround a personal computer 110 a, such as the personal computer shown inFIG. 3, which can access the Internet via the cable or other connection.As shown, the personal computer 110 a includes one or more processors302 implementing one or more software modules. In the exampleillustrated, shown are a user interface module 304, a DPVSM controllermodule 312, and a video editor module 310. One or more of these modulesmay be embodied as Web browser plug ins. As will be described in greaterdetail below, the user interface module 304 allows video to be displayedon the computer monitor (not shown) and for various files and controlsto be executed. The DPVSM controller module 312 permits viewing orplayback of locally stored media files, such as audio or video files,and control of the DPVSM 102A (FIG. 1A). The video editor 310 allowsediting of local video files and may be implemented as any of a varietyof video editing programs. As will be discussed in greater detail below,the media files may be media files downloaded from the Internet or maybe captured from the media subsystem 101.

The processor 302 may couple to a wireless LAN interface 306 (e.g., a802.11 Ethernet NIC) to receive audio and video streams from the housecable connection 104 a and the media subsystem 101 a (FIG. 1A). Inaddition, the processor 302 couples to a memory 304 for storing mediafiles 305 and programs (not shown). The personal computer 110 a also mayinclude an infrared interface 306 for using an infrared mouse orkeyboard control. Finally, in certain embodiments, a service providermay maintain a web site that allows use of the personal computer 110 todownload upgrades to the DPVSM 102's control programs and modules.

As noted above, a multimedia telecommunications system according toembodiments of the present invention may take a variety ofconfigurations. One such configuration is shown in FIG. 1A; another isshown in FIG. 1B. In particular, FIG. 1B illustrates a personal digitalvideo system 100 b including an integrated digital personal video streammanager 102 b. In this embodiment, the digital personal video streammanager 102 b includes an integrated Internet access device such as acable or DSL modem and an integrated 802.11 router, as will be explainedin greater detail below.

As shown, the system 100 b of FIG. 1B includes a house cable connection104 b connecting to the cable provider. A cable set-top box 112 bcouples the house cable connection 104 to the integrated digitalpersonal video stream manager 102 b. The digital personal video streammanager 102 b then couples to an audio system 118 b, a video recordingdevice 114 b, and television 116 b. It is noted that in otherembodiments, the cable set-top box 112 b may also be integrated with thedigital personal video stream manager 102 b.

A personal computer 110 b, which can be either a desktop or a laptopcomputer, is also supported and can include an 802.11 network interfacecard or PC Card 107 b. Thus, the personal computer 110 b itself need notsupport a modem or other Internet connection, beyond the NIC. Thepersonal computer 110 may be provided with a firewall, such as firewall308 of FIG. 3, however.

As can be appreciated, the digital personal video stream manager 102 bwith an integrated cable modem is convenient when the service provideris also the cable company. If the Internet connection is a DSLconnection or other telephone connection, then a separate DSL modem andtelephone jack also could be integrated with the DPVSM 102 b.

A block diagram of an exemplary integrated digital personal video streammanager 102 b is shown in FIG. 2B. As shown, the digital personal videostream manager 102 b includes a control processor 202 b and anaudio/video interface 204 b. The audio/video interface 204 b isgenerally similar to that of FIG. 2A, and includes an wireless LANaccess point (e.g., Ethernet and wireless 802.11 interface 210 b, 212b). An integrated cable or DSL modem 106 b is also provided, as is anintegrated 802.11 router. Other components are generally similar tothose of FIG. 2A and can include a memory 203 b, an Infrared controlinterface 222 b, and a Universal Serial Bus interface 230 b.

In what follows, for sake of clarity, in describing operation ofembodiments of the present invention, the system of FIG. 1A and FIG. 2Awill be referred to, it being understood that the teaching of thepresent invention are applicable to a variety of network and deviceconfigurations.

According to one aspect of the present invention, video that is seen onthe personal computer 110 a may also be viewable via the DPVSM 102 a onthe television 116 a, and vice versa. This is illustrated schematicallywith reference to FIG. 4. In particular, shown are a computer monitor402 and a television screen 404. Also shown are the digital personalvideo stream manager 102 a and a video recording device 114 a. Otherelements of FIG. 1A are omitted for clarity.

As shown, a video 403 a, representative of a video file, for example, isviewable on the monitor 402. The video 403 a may be an Internet mediafile downloadable from the Internet 406, via the house cable or otherInternet connection 104 a. According to embodiments of the presentinvention, the video 403 a can be transmitted to the digital personalvideo stream manager 102 for conversion into a television video formatand viewable on the television screen 404, as video 403 b. The video 403a can further be recorded onto a recording medium such as videotapeusing the video recording device 114 a. Similarly, a video 403 b beingshown on the television screen 404, either from the cable connection oron replay from the recording device 114 a, can be transmitted via thedigital personal video stream manager 102 for display on the personalcomputer 110 a as a video file 403 a.

The digital personal video stream manager 102 a can be controlled fromeither the personal computer 110 a or using an infrared remote control120 a, via a graphical interface using the television screen. FIG. 5Aand FIG. 5B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for such purposes.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary user interface viewable on the computermonitor and generated, for example, by a digital personal video streammanager program which may be implemented as a Web browser plug in. Shownare three windows: a web scheduler 502; a DPVSM control window 504; anda File Manager window 506.

The DPVSM program window 504 allows activation of the DPVSM, selectionof files, recording, scheduling, and the like. It can also be used toactivate or interface with the web scheduler 502 and the file manager506.

The web scheduler 502 may be a web page accessible via the Internet setup by the service provider, or it may be an individual network's webpage. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user canaccess the web page to determine a network program schedule and controlthe digital personal video stream manager 102 a and thus the videorecording device 114 a to record a program remotely. For example, theuser could click on a selected program 508, including the time and dateand channel. This information can then be downloaded to the DPVSMcontrol program 312 (FIG. 3) and either stored at the computer ortransmitted to the digital personal video stream manager 102 a itself.At the designated time, the digital personal video stream manager 102 acauses the video recording device 114 a to record the selected program.Alternatively, the DPVSM control program 312 can be used to record theprogram as a video file 305, stored on the computer 110 a.

The file manager 506 can be used to access stored media files andselected for playback either as files on the computer or converted andtransmitted to the digital personal video stream manager 102 a forviewing on the television.

Similarly, FIG. 5B illustrates exemplary user interfaces that can begenerated by the digital personal video stream manager 120 a anddisplayed on the television. The user can scroll through and makechoices using, for example, an infrared remote 120 (FIG. 1A) in much thesame way that a typical video cassette recorder can be programmed. Thus,the television interface of FIG. 5B includes an entry screen 550 formaking a mode selection (e.g., TV, VCR, DPVSM). Selection of the DPVSMmode may cause display of a screen such as screen 552. The screen 552allows for file select, record, set channels, time, and VCR or digitalfile format, among other things.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a signaling diagram illustrating operation ofvarious aspects of the present invention is shown. In particular,signaling for television or broadband recording, either on video or asdigital files is shown. Shown are the cable connection 104, DSL or cablemodem 106, 802.11 router 108, personal computer 110, cable box 112,digital personal video stream manager 102, video recording device 114,television 116, and IR remote 120.

Recording using the video recorder 114 by use of the personal computer110 or the infrared remote 120 is shown at 601. Personalcomputer-controlled remote recording is initiated at 602 a, where thepersonal computer 110 can send one or more record commands via the802.11 router 108 to arrive at the digital personal video stream manager102 at 604 a. The digital personal video stream manager 102 then sends acorresponding command to the video recorder 114 to set the time and dateand channel of the recording. Alternatively, the user can employ the IRremote 120 to control or program recording via the digital personalvideo stream manager 102. Thus, at 602 b, the user can send one or morecontrol signals to the digital personal video stream manager 102, whichcauses a display on the television 116 of the user interface, such asthat of FIG. 5. The user can then program the video recorder 114 at 604b. In either case, the broadband video signal is received from the cableconnection 104 and recorded at the video recorder 114 at 606.

The personal computer 110 can also be used to control recording of thebroadband signal as digital video files, as shown at 603. At 608, thepersonal computer 110 sends a command 608 via the 802.11 router 108 tothe digital personal video stream manager 102, as shown at 610. At 612,the broadband video signal is received from the cable connection 104 tothe digital personal video stream manager 102 via the cable box 112. Thedigital personal video stream manager 102 then converts the receivedbroadband signal to a digital file format and transmits it via the802.11 router 108, as seen at 614, 616, to the personal computer 110.The personal computer 110 can then store the file in its media databasefor alter playback.

The IR remote 120 can also be used to control recording of broadbandvideo as digital files, as shown at 605. At 618, the IR remote 120 isused to contact and send commands to the digital personal video streammanager 102. At 620 b the DPVSM 102 activates the TV based GUI, which isthen used to program or control the recording of the selected program.At 620 a, the DPVSM 102 sends the commands via the router 108 to thepersonal computer 110 at 622. At 624, the broadband signal is receivedfrom the cable connection 104 to the DPVSM 102. The DPVSM 102 thenconverts the received broadband signal to one or more digital files andtransmits them to the personal computer via the 802.11 router, at 626,628.

FIG. 7 is a signaling diagram illustrating video playback according toan embodiment of the present invention. Shown are the cable connection104, DSL or cable modem 106, 802.11 router 108, PC 110, cable box 112,DPVSM 102, VCR 114, TV 116, and IR remote 120.

Personal computer control of playback of digital files is shown at 701.At 702, the personal computer 110 can be used to access the database inmemory and play one or more selected files. The selected video file canalso be played on the television via the DPVSM 102. Thus, the personalcomputer 110 can be used to select a file and designate it for playbackon the television 116. At 706, the personal computer 110 sends a commandvia the router 108, which is received at the DPVSM 102, at 708. TheDPVSM 102 then converts the received file into a format useable by thevideo recorder 114 and transmits it via the video cable to the videorecorder, at 710. If the video recorder 114 has a tape, the file can berecorded by the tape and played on the television 116, at 712.

The use of the personal computer 110 to control tape playback is shownat 703. The personal computer 110 can activate its DPVSM control program312 (FIG. 3) and select a tape control option(s). At 714, a tape playcommand is transmitted to the router 108, which then provides it to theDPVSM 102 at 716. At 718, the DPVSM 102 reads the command and directsthe video recorder 114 to play the tape. If desired or if selectedoriginally, the tape can play on the television 116, as shown at 719. Ifit is wished to play the tape on the personal computer 110, then at 720,the DPVSM 102 receives the tape broadband signal and converts it into avideo digital file format and transmits it to the router 108 at 721. At722, the router 108 then provides the file to the personal computer 110for display using the video software.

As noted above, the IR remote 120 can also be used to playback digitalfiles, either via the television 116 or on the personal computer 110, asshown at 705. At 724, the IR remote 120 is used to send one or morecontrol signals to the DPVSM 102. At 726, the DPVSM 102 displays the GUIon the television screen. At 728, the user can use the IR remote 120 toselect a file for viewing, and whether it is to be viewed on thetelevision 116 or the personal computer 110. The selection istransmitted to the personal computer 110 via the router at 730 and 732.The personal computer 110 then selects the file from the database 305(FIG. 3) and transmits it to the DPVSM 102 via the router 108, at 734,736. Alternatively; the personal computer 110 can simply run the filelocally on the PC monitor. If selected for TV display, the DPVSM 102then converts the file for display by the television 116. As discussedabove, this may be done concurrently with recording the video stream ona tape inserted into the video recorder 114.

The IR remote 120 can also control playback of a tape inserted in thevideo recorder 114, either at the television 116 or the personalcomputer 110. As seen at 738, a tape in the video recorder 114 can beplayed back on the television 116. The IR remote 120 can then send asignal to the DPVSM 102, at 740. At 742, the DPVSM 102 displays thetelevision based GUI. At 744, the IR remote 120 can be used to select a“Play Tape on PC” option. The DPVSM 102 then receives the video signalfrom the video recorder 114 and converts it to the digital file format.It is then transmitted to the personal computer 110 via the router 108for playback, at 746, 748.

As noted above, one aspect of the present invention is an ability toschedule recording of television programming using a World Wide Webinterface. This is illustrated more particularly with reference to FIG.8. Shown are the cable connection 104, DSL or cable modem 106, 802.11router 108, personal computer 110, cable box 112, DPVSM 102, videorecorder 114, television 116, and IR remote 120. At 802, the personalcomputer 110 logs in to a service provider 122 using an Internetconnection via the DSL or cable modem 106. The service provider 122 maymaintain a web site having television schedule information in asubscriber-accessible format, which is then downloaded to the user'sbrowser, at 804. The personal computer 110 can then display the scheduleor schedules as described above and select one or more programs forrecording. Then, at 806 and 808, the personal computer 110 can send acommand to the DPVSM 102 via the router 108 that it should supervise therecording of the selected programming. The DPVSM 102 then stores theinformation until the designated time and then activates the videorecorder 114 and cable box, if necessary. The video recorder 114 willthen receive the programming at 814, which can then be recorded on thevideo recorder 114. In addition, or in the alternative, the receivedbroadband signal can also be converted by the DPVSM 102 into the digitalfile format and transmitted to the personal computer 110 for storage, at816, 818.

Integrated Audio Stream Manager

According to one aspect of the present invention, an audio streammanager is provided in a manner similar to that of the video streammanager discussed above. More particularly, such an audio stream managerprovides a digital jukebox which allows audio streams to be recordedfrom media disks, such as compact disks (CDs), or downloaded from theInternet and then played through the DPVSM 102 and stored on thepersonal computer 110. The audio streams are accessible by a file systemor master index generated from downloaded CD databases of playlists.

The audio stream manager may be embodied, for example, as a systemsimilar to the systems of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. For clarity ofdiscussion, FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an integratedaudio stream manager according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Shown are a DPVSM 102, an audio system 118, a personalcomputer 110, and one or more CD database servers 904, typicallyaccessible via the Internet.

The personal computer 110 includes a jukebox utility 900 and a localmedia disk player 901 such as a compact disk or DVD player. The personalcomputer 110's memory 304 may be used to store music or other audiofiles 909. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the jukeboxutility 900 is capable of converting a received CD track into a digitalfile format, such as MP3; downloading song lists from Web sites; andcreating DPVSM-readable lists of songs or audio files for use inaccessing the corresponding audio files 909 for playback. The audiofiles 909 are then available through a graphical user interface, eitheron the television 116 (FIG. 1A) or on the personal computer 110.

The DPVSM 102 may include an audio interface for coupling to the audiosystem 118 and the personal computer 110 via the network; such aninterface is generally similar to the interface 204 (FIG. 2A) for usewith video. The DPVSM 102 may also include a jukebox control utility902, typically implemented by the controller 202, for communicating withthe jukebox utility 900 and generating a jukebox user interfaceaccessible via the television screen, in a manner similar to thatdiscussed above with reference to the video streams.

Exemplary use of an Internet CD playlist database as a basis for DPVSMindices is shown in FIG. 10. Shown in FIG. 10 are a Web page 903 havingan exemplary CD database entry 904. As shown, the CD database entry 904includes at least a CD identifier 1020 and a list of tracks 1022. Theuser can use his personal computer 110's web browser to manually orautomatically access the web page 903 and download the CD directory andassociate each track with a file name. This is illustrated moreparticularly at 1002, which shows an exemplary CD or jukebox filelisting 1002, typically stored in memory 305. Shown at 1002 are the CDname 1004, track identifiers 1005, and filenames 1006 associatedtherewith. It is noted that these filenames 1006 may be default filenames based on the track identifier or may be user input.

Once the particular CD has been entered and its tracks converted todigital file format, the CD is indexed in a master list, such as thatshown at 1008. In particular, shown at 1008 are a filename listing 1009a, a CD listing 1009 b, and a track listing 1009 c for each file 1010 a,1010 b . . . 1010 n. The listings can be arranged by CD, oralphabetically by file name, or randomly, any other desired ordering forplayback or selection.

Operation of the audio stream manager according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11. In step 1102, auser of the personal computer 110 can insert a disk into the player 901(FIG. 9). At step 1104, the jukebox utility 900 converts the received CDtrack into a digital file format, such as MP3, and stores it in memory305 as an audio file 909. At step 1106, the jukebox utility 900 accessesa predetermined Internet Web site 903 having a database of CDs and tracklistings, corresponding to the converted CD. The listing is thendownloaded by the jukebox utility 900 and formatted into an index 1008,in step 1108. It is noted that, in other embodiments, the user couldsimply type in an index of his own making. At step 1110, the jukeboxutility 900 sends the index to the DPVSM 102 and, particularly, to thecontrol utility 902. At step 1112, the DPVSM 102 can be used to displaythe index listing on the television screen. At step 1114, the user canuse a remote, such as an infrared remote 120, to select the desiredtrack or audio file. Finally, at step 1116, the DPVSM 102 will receivethe file via the network and play the selected file on the audio system118. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the DPVSM 102 can convertan audio file from a digital format to an analog format, or betweendigital formats, or merely act as a “conduit” to relay a digital filefor playback on the audio system. Thus, the audio system may be embodiedas any of a variety of known analog or digital audio systems capable ofplaying, for example, compact disks or MP3 files or receive radiotransmissions.

Operation of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in greaterdetail with reference to the signaling diagram of FIG. 12. Shown are thecable connection 104, DSL or cable modem 106, 802.11 router 108,personal computer 110, cable box 112, DPVSM 102, video recorder 114,television 116, and IR remote 120.

At 1202, the user can insert a compact disk into the CD or DVD player900 of the personal computer 110. At 1204, the jukebox utility 900 onthe personal computer 110 converts the file to a digital file format,such as an MP3 format. At 1206, the jukebox utility 900 uses the PC'sweb browser to access the Internet web site having the CD database anddownloads it to the personal computer 110, at 1208. It is noted that thejukebox utility 900 may be implemented as one or more Web browser plugins.

At 1210, the jukebox utility 900 creates an index or includes thecurrent CD listing in an existing index. At 1216, the user can select atrack or filename for playback. The selected file is then sent to theDPVSM 102 for playback via the router 108, at 1212 and 1214. The DPVSM102 then plays the file on the audio system 118. Alternatively, theindex could be sent to the DPVSM 102, which then generates a televisionbased GUI, which can be selected using the IR remote 120, at 1218. Thefile can then be provided to the DPVSM 102 for playback, as discussedabove.

It is noted that, while discussed above with reference to convertingfiles from the CD in the personal computer 110's CD player, the CDtracks could also be converted using the DPVSM 102 with the initialplaying occurring in the audio system 118, i.e., on a remote or medianetwork disk player, coupled via the DPVSM 102 to the local areanetwork. Such a system is generally similar to the system describedabove with reference to the video streams and thus is not duplicatedhere.

Wireless 802.11 Remote

The digital personal media stream manager (DPVSM) embodiments discussedabove—both audio and video—are controllable via an infrared (IR) remotecontrol. While inexpensive, such remote controls, however, depend online-of-sight for functioning and thus are generally limited to a singleroom use. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to providean enhanced remote control for use in various rooms of a house or otherspace. In particular, as will be discussed in greater detail below, awireless radio-signal remote control, such as a wireless local arearemote, such as a wireless 802.11 remote, is provided, for control ofDPVSM functionality. The wireless 802.11 remote control becomes anaddressable device and can stay with the user throughout the house andused for control of network devices, such as the DPVSM 102 and attacheddevices. In addition, in certain embodiments, the handset can beprovided with voice capabilities and can be used as a voice over IPhandset (e.g., packet telephony or telephony over LAN functionality) orfor voice-portal control of the DPVSM 102. Advantageously, the system ofthe present invention allows an Internet telephone call to be receivedby the user even if not present at the computer when the call arrives,by use of the remote, instead of missing the call or forwarding it tovoice mail. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the remote 802.11could also function as a personal digital assistant (PDA), allowingaccess to the user's personal computer files. Such an embodiment thuscould run known PDA interfaces, software and/or operating systems.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a diagram of an exemplary system according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown. The system of FIG. 13 isgenerally similar to that of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. As such, only relevantcomponents are shown. The system of FIG. 13 includes DPVSM 102, personalcomputer 110, and 802.11 remote 1300. The 802.11 remote 1300 includes anIP telephony controller 1302 and a DPVSM controller 1304, as will beexplained in greater detail below. Similarly, the personal computer 110includes an 802.11 wireless interface 212 and a VoIP interface engine1306. The VoIP interface engine 1306 may function as an IP telephonygateway and may also itself support an IP telephony client. Thus, theVoIP interface 1306 may be embodied as an H.323 or SIP gateway.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate an exemplary wireless remote accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the remote 1300includes a speaker 1312, a microphone 1314, and a display 1308. Thedisplay may be implemented as an LCD display. In the embodimentillustrated, the display 1308 is a touchpad display and thus functionsas a “virtual” keypad; in other embodiments, a separate physical keypadand display may be provided. As shown in FIG. 14A, the display 1308 maybe used to select a mode 1309, i.e., telephone, video, or audio control.If the user chooses the telephone mode, then the display shows a virtualtelephone keypad 1310, which can be used to make and receive calls.

In the alternative, the user can select the audio or video modes. If theuser selects audio or video mode, then a display generally similar tothat discussed above for the personal computer control of the audio andvideo streams would be displayed. The 802.11 remote 1300 than functionsas a network client in a manner similar to the personal computer 110.If, for example, audio mode is selected, then as shown in FIG. 14B, anthe display 1308 shows a jukebox select screen 1316. The jukebox selectscreen 1316 can be used in a manner similar to that discussed above withreference to the audio stream manager. The wireless remote could also beused to download program schedules, media files, and the like, in amanner similar to that discussed above.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary 802.11 remotecontrol 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Asshown, the remote 1300 includes a control processor 1500, an 802.11interface 1502, and a GUI display 1308 which may implement a telephonykeypad 1310. The remote 1300 also includes a speaker 1312 and microphone1314. The control processor 1500 implements a wireless LAN interface1301, the telephony interface 1302, and the DPVSM controller 1304. Aswill be discussed in greater detail below, the wireless LAN interface1301 provides access to the wireless LAN, and may implement the IEEE802.11 standard. The telephony interface 1302 implements an IP telephonestandard, such as H.323 or SIP. The DPVSM controller 1304 allows theremote 1300 to control the DPVSM 102 via the wireless LAN.

Operation of an embodiment of the 802.11 remote control is shown by wayof the signaling diagram of FIG. 16. In particular, shown is use of the802.11 remote control 1300 to make and receive a telephone call, at 1601and 1603, respectively. Shown are a PSTN connection 1600, modem 106,802.11 router 108, personal computer 110, cable box 112, DPVSM 102,video recorder 114, TV 116, and 802.11 remote 1300.

To make a phone call, the user of the 802.11 remote 1300 selects thetelephone mode (FIG. 14) and dials the phone for the called partynumber. A call setup request message including a called party number issent from the remote 1300 and, particularly, its telephony interface1302, to the personal computer 110 via the 802.11 router 108, at 1602,1604. As noted above, in certain embodiments, the IP telephone system isbased on the Recommendation H.323 or Session Initiation Protocol,although other IP telephony standards can be employed. At 1606, thepersonal computer 110 activates its IP telephony program 1306. Thepersonal computer 110 then undertakes its portion of call setup with theremote 1300 at 1605. When this is accomplished, the personal computer110 attempts to complete the call with the outside network at 1608. Inthe embodiment illustrated, the personal computer 110 communicates viathe router with the modem 106, at 1610, after making the necessaryprotocol conversions to use the outside network. Call setup is then donevia connection 1600 and the external telephony provider at 1612. As isknown, an external telephony provider can then either render the call onits end over the Public Switched Telephone Network or the Internet. Thepersonal computer 110 then supervises the voice connection between theremote 1300 and the external connection 1600.

Call reception is handled similarly and is shown at 1603. At 1614, acall is received at the connection 1600, which is then routed via themodem and the router to the personal computer 110. The personal computer110 activates its IP telephony program 1306 at 1616 and sends a callsetup message to the remote 1300 via the router 108, at 1618, 1620. At1622, 1624, the remote 1300 responds with its call setup responsesequence. A media channel is then opened between the personal computer110 and the remote 1300, at 1626, 1628; the personal computer 110 itselfmaintains the connection to the PSTN 1600.

As discussed above, the 802.11 remote 1300 can also be used to controlthe DPVSM 102 and, in particular, its video and audio handlingcapabilities, in a manner similar to that discussed above. Depending onthe embodiment, such control can be exercised either through thepersonal computer 110 using its 802.11 remote interface (FIG. 1) ordirectly to and from the remote 1300 itself.

Control via the personal computer 110 is shown at 1701, 1703. At 1702,the user of the remote 1300 can select a program or audio file andtransmit the choice to the personal computer 110 via the router 108, at1704. The personal computer 110 then forwards commands or files to theDPVSM 102 via the router, at 1706, 1708. Broadband video and/or audio,as well as video and audio files would then be handled as discussedabove in the “System Overview” section. It is noted that, in certainembodiments, actual audio and video files can be transmitted to theremote 1300 for display or playback, although resolution and fidelitymight be less than on the television or personal computer system.

Because the remote 1300 also functions as a network client, in certainembodiments, the remote 1300 may be equipped with sufficient processingpower and/or memory to directly control the DPVSM 102, withoutintervening support from the personal computer 110. Thus, as shown at1705, the remote 1300 can communicate directly with the DPVSM 102 usingits DPVSM control 1304 via the router 108 at 1710, 1712. Again, in suchan embodiment, media streams and/or files would be handled similarly tothe manner discussed above. In certain embodiments, of course, it may benecessary for communication to occur through the personal computer 110,which may maintain the media file database(s), as discussed above.

Electronic Messaging Control

In addition to providing local remote capabilities using the 802.11remote or an IR remote, as discussed above, embodiments of the presentinvention also provide access to the DPVSM 102 from remote off-sitelocations. Discussion of such remote control is in the context ofremotely programming a video recording device, it being understood thatthe techniques discussed herein are applicable to other specific remotecontrol functions.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an e-mail controlcapability is provided. In particular, in such an embodiment, thepersonal computer 110 and, specifically, the e-mail system may beprovided with a DPVSM e-mail control module. The DPVSM e-mail controlmodule is adapted to read a specially-formatted e-mail having a show,time and date identified. The DPVSM e-mail control module then sends oneor more control messages via the local area network to the DPVSM 102,for recording. Such control commands may be in any format readable bythe DPVSM.

A block diagram of an exemplary personal computer 110 employing theDPVSM control module is shown in FIG. 18. In particular, FIG. 18 showspersonal computer 110 including an e-mail system or client 1802. Thee-mail system 1802 may be embodied as any of a variety of known e-mailsystems, such as Microsoft Outlook or Netscape Communicator. A DPVSMe-mail control module 1800 may be provided, according to embodiments ofthe present invention. The DPVSM e-mail control module may be embodiedas a plug in for the e-mail program 1802. In particular, in certainembodiments, the DPVSM control program 312 may be provided with one ormore APIs (application programming interfaces) to allow various controlapplications such as the DPVSM e-mail control program 1800. The DPVSMe-mail control program 1800 is adapted to read a special control e-mailand send one or more control commands to activate and control the DPVSM102 in response. The DPVSM 102 can then control the recording of one ormore shows, in a manner similar to that discussed above.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an exemplary e-mail control message 1900 for usein conjunction with the DPVSM e-mail control program 1800 of FIG. 18. Asshown, the e-mail control message 1900 includes a subject line 1902. Thesubject line 1902 includes an entry “Digital DPVSM,” or other title thatis read by the DPVSM e-mail control program 1800 to identify theassociated message as a DPVSM control message. In the embodimentillustrated, the associated text of the message 1904 includes Date,Time, Channel, Duration, and Password entries. In certain embodiments,if security is an issue, standard encryption can be applied to encryptthe e-mail and protect the password. The Date, Time, Channel andDuration entries allow for unique selection of the program to berecorded. The Password entry allows the user to be uniquely identified,so that a third party cannot illicitly seize control of the DPVSM 102.Thus, in certain embodiments, the DPVSM e-mail control program 1800maintains a password file in memory of the user and password. As will bediscussed in greater detail below, the message is identified as a DPVSMcontrol message, and the DPVSM 102 is programmed in response thereto.

This is illustrated with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20. Inparticular, at step 2002, a user can compose a DPVSM e-mail controlmessage 1900, either at the user's laptop computer or at a guestcomputer. At step 2004, the e-mail is received at the personal computer110, by the personal computer's e-mail client 1802. The DPVSM e-mailcontrol program 1800 reads the subject line and recognizes the messageas referring to a DPVSM control message. At step 2008, the controlparameters are converted to control parameters readable by the DPVSM102. Finally, at 2010, the control parameters are then sent to the DPVSM102, in step 2010. The DPVSM 102 then controls the video recorder 114.

Signaling for such an embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 21.Shown are a remote personal computer or laptop computer 2100, cableconnection 104, modem 106, 802.11 router 108, personal computer 110,cable box 112, DPVSM 102, video recorder 114, and television 116. At2101, the user composes the control e-mail at the remote computer 2100.At 2102, the e-mail control message 1900 arrives at the cable connection104 and at the modem 106 at 2104. The modem 104 then conveys it to the802.11 router, at 2106. The e-mail message 1900 is delivered to thepersonal computer 110 at 2108. At 2110, the personal computer's DPVSMe-mail control program 1800 reads the e-mail message header andidentifies the message as being a DPVSM control message. In certainembodiments, the personal computer 110 may also send a confirmation tothe user. The personal computer 110 and, particularly, the DPVSMcontroller 312, then sends the corresponding commands to the DPVSM 102via the router 108 at 2112, 2114. At 2115, the DPVSM 102 is programmedto record the designated show at the specified time. At 2116, thebroadband video is received via the cable connection 104 to the cablebox 112, and to the DPVSM 102 at 2118. The DPVSM 102 then activates thevideo recorder 114 at 2120, in response to the programming from thee-mail control message. The video recorder 114 then records the programat 2122. Alternatively, at 2115, the DPVSM 102 could transmit theprogramming information to the video recording device 114 and program itthen. When the media stream(s) arrive, the DPVSM 102 could then simplyact as a conduit for the media stream rather than an active programmingdevice.

Instant Messaging Control

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a user mayremotely control the DPVSM system 100 by using a special DPVSM InstantMessaging control message. The user's home personal computer has anInstant Messaging client including a DPVSM IM Control module plug in,that recognizes the DPVSM Instant Messaging control message. The DPVSMcontrol module plug in then sends a message with the program informationto the DPVSM, which controls the programming of the video recorder.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary personal computer 110 including anInstant Messaging system or client 2202. The Instant Messaging system2202 may be implemented as a known instant messaging system, such asWindows Instant Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger. Also shown is aDPVSM IM control module plug in 2204 according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The DPVSM IM control module plug in 2204 functions toread an IM control heading defining a message as a DPVSM controlmessage; generate a confirmation; and translate the message into aDPVSM-readable control command, sent by the DPVSM controller 312 (FIG.12) to the DPVSM 102. The DPVSM 102 then programs the video recorder torecord the program at the designated time.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary IM control message according to thisembodiment of the present invention. The message 2301 includes a headerindicia 2302 and a message body 2304. The header indicia as shown isDPRR, though any other predetermined indicia could be used. The messagebody 2304 includes date, time, channel, duration, and a user password.As noted above, the DPVSM IM control module 2204 reads the messageheader 2302 and then knows to read the body of the message.

A flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 24. At step 2402, the user can compose the IMcontrol message 2301 at a remote location. At step 2404, the IM controlmessage 2301 is transported in a standard manner to the personalcomputer 110. At step 2406, the IM client 2202 decodes the message andthe DPVSM IM control module 2204 recognizes the message as referring toDPVSM control. At step 2408, the DPVSM IM control module 2204 convertsthe IM message into a control command format readable by the DPVSM 102.At step 2410, in certain embodiments, the DPVSM IM control module 2204sends a confirmation message to the sender. This can identify thechannel and other parameters and provide an indication that it has beenreceived. Finally, at step 2412, the command is sent to the DPVSM 102and stored until the time to execute the recording.

A signaling diagram showing operation of an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 25. Shown are a remote PC 2100, cableconnection 104, modem 106, 802.11 router 108, personal computer 110,cable box 112, DPVSM 102, video recorder 114, and television 116. At2502, the user at the remote PC 2100 composes a DPVSM IM controlmessage, such as that discussed above. The IM provider then sends themessage to the user's home personal computer 110, via the cableconnection 104, modem 106 and router 108. At 2504, the personal computer110's IM system and, particularly, the DPVSM IM control module 2204,sends a confirmation message back to the user at the remote PC 2100,once the DPVSM IM control message 2301 has been read. The DPVSM controlmodule 312 of the personal computer 110 then sends one or more commandsto the DPVSM 102 via the router 108, at 2506, with the appropriateprogramming instructions. These are then stored until the designatedtime; alternatively, the video recording device 114 can receive itsprogramming instructions when they arrive at the DPVSM 102. Thebroadband video is received at the DPVSM 102 and video recorder 114, at2508. At 2510, the video recorder 114 activates and at 2512, the videois recorded.

Short Message Service Control

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a ShortMessage Service (SMS) equipped telephone can be used to control theDPVSM 102. In particular, a SMS service provider may be adapted todetect a special SMS DPVSM control message and convert the SMS messageto a form readable by the DPVSM client on the local personal computer.For example, such a control message may be implemented as an e-mailcontrol message or even an IM control message, such as those discussedabove. The control message is received by the personal computer 110 andthen used by the DPVSM 102 to program the video recorder, in a mannersimilar to that discussed above.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a system 2600 for enabling anSMS equipped telephone to program the DPVSM 102. In particular, thesystem 2600 shown in FIG. 26 includes a cellular telephone 2602 havingSMS capabilities, a cell provider 2604, and DPVSM system 100. The DPVSMsystem 100 may be generally similar to those discussed above withreference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

The cell provider 2604 serves as the SMS service provider and maintainsin conjunction with the SMS service, a DPVSM control detector 2606,DPVSM command generator 2608, and DPVSM name database 2610. The DPVSMcontrol detector 2606 detects whether a received SMS message is a DPVSMcontrol message, and accesses the DPVSM name database 2610 for thee-mail or IM address of the user. The DPVSM message converter 608 thenconverts the SMS DPVSM parameters in the message to a control messageformat readable by the personal computer 110, such as e-mail or IM. TheDPVSM message converter 608 then sends the corresponding e-mail or IMmessage to the user's personal computer which decodes it and uses it togenerate one or more control commands for control of the DPVSM 102, in amanner similar to that discussed above with reference to E-Mail and IMControl.

An exemplary SMS message for DPVSM control is shown in FIG. 27. The SMSmessage 2700 is generally similar to those discussed above withreference to the e-mail and IM embodiments. Thus, the SMS message 2700includes a DPVSM identifying header; date; time; duration; channel; andpassword parameters.

As noted above, the SMS DPVSM control message 2700 is received by theDPVSM detector 2606 which then accesses the DPVSM names database 2610.The DPVSM names database 2610 includes entries corresponding to users'cell phone numbers and e-mail or IM user name, as shown in the exemplarydatabase entry 2800 of FIG. 28.

The entries in the DPVSM names database 2610 could be set by a systemadministrator or other administrative entity. According to a particularembodiment, the DPVSM names database entries 2800 are set by users viathe World Wide Web or Internet access. For example, as shown in FIG. 29,the SMS/Cell provider maintains a web server 2900 in conjunction withthe SMS server 2604. The web server 2900 maintains a web page interface2904 that allows the user to log in and make the DPVSM names databaseentries using standard form-making script 2902. The entries can then beprovided to the SMS server 2604. It is noted that, in certainembodiments, the SMS server and the web server may be the sameinstrument. Thus, the figure is exemplary only.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating database entry according to anembodiment of the present invention. In step 3002, the user can log into the cell or SMS service provider's web site 2900. Log in can include,for example, the user registering and providing a personalidentification number, for example. The user can then enter the user'scell phone number, user ID, and e-mail or IM name, in step 3004.Finally, at step 3006, the entry is provided to the database 2610 at theSMS server 2604.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating operation of use of SMS messaging tocontrol the DPVSM 102 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. At step 3102, the user can compose an SMS DPVSM controlmessage 2700 using his cell phone. As discussed above, such a message2700 typically includes a DPVSM identifier, a password, and time,duration and channel information. At step 3104, the SMS DPVSM controlmessage 2700 is sent to the SMS server 2604. The SMS server 2604recognizes the message as relating to DPVSM control by its header, atstep 3106. The DPVSM detector 2606 then accesses the DPVSM database 2610for the caller's e-mail (or IM) address; the DPVSM detector can identifythe user's telephone number by standard calling number identificationtechniques. Once the e-mail address (or IM) is recognized, at step 3110,the DPVSM message converter 2608 converts the SMS control message to acontrol message. This message is sent to the messaging client at theuser's PC 110, at step 3112. Finally, in step 3114, the user's PC and,particularly, an e-mail DPVSM control unit or an IM DPVSM control unit,such as those described above, processes the message to generate one ormore control commands. The DPVSM 102 can then control the programming ofthe video recorder as discussed above.

Voice Portal Control

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a voice portalcontrol is provided to control the programming of the DPVSM. Moreparticularly, in such an embodiment, a user can simply respond to one ormore interactive voice response queries to program the DPVSM. Such avoice portal may be used by a party calling in on a standard telephone,or through use of the networked wireless 802.11 remote control discussedabove.

For example FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary user interaction with avoice portal for controlling a DPVSM 102 according to embodiments of thepresent invention. At 3250, after the user calls in or otherwise logsin, the voice portal responds “Welcome to your DPVSM.” Next, the voiceportal prompts to the user to “Enter your password,” at 3252. Once theuser does so, and the password is confirmed, the user is requested, at3254, to speak or enter a date, time, channel and duration of recording.Once the user makes the appropriate entries, as will be discussed ingreater detail below, the voice portal server contacts the DPVSM system100 to cause the video recorder 114 to record the designated program. Inparticular, as will be discussed in greater detail below, once the voiceentries have been made, the voice portal server converts the entriesinto a DPVSM system readable message, such as an email or an IM message,and then sends it to the user's PC. The user's PC 110 accepts themessage and instructs the DPVSM 102 accordingly. The voice portal may beimplemented to respond to voice commands through known voice recognitiontechniques, or to keypad input, such as via DTMF tone recognition.

FIG. 33A illustrates an exemplary voice portal DPVSM control system 3300a according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, thesystem 3300 a of FIG. 33A includes a voice portal server 3202 a having avoice portal 3304, a voice-to-email (or IM) converter 3306 and adatabase 3308. The voice portal server 3202 a operably couples viae-mail or IM messaging to the DPVSM system 100.

According to a particular embodiment, the DPVSM names3308 databaseentries are set by users via the World Wide Web or Internet access. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 34, generally similar to the SMS server ofFIG. 29, the voice portal provider maintains a web server 3400 inconjunction with the voice portal server 3202 a. The web server 3400maintains a web page interface 3404 that allows the user to log in andmake the DPVSM names database entries 3402. The entries could be madeusing standard form-making script, for example. The entries can then beprovided to the voice portal server 3202. Actual entries may be similarto those of FIG. 30.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 35, the user of telephone 3310, which maybe a cell phone or a remote landline telephone, calls in at the voiceportal server 3202 a in step 3500. The voice portal server 3202 a may beprovided, for example, by a service provider and the number dialed maybe a 900 or 800 (toll free) number. The calling party can be identifiedby either a calling party identification technique, or by the spokenpassword, or a combination thereof. The voice portal control 3304provides the interactive voice response control described above withreference to FIG. 32, in step 3504. That is, the user inputs the desiredprogram recording information. The database 3308 provides acorresponding e-mail address or IM user name. In step 3506, theconverter 3306 converts the user inputs from the voice or IVR responseinputs into the associated e-mail or IM messaging control message, suchas the e-mail or IM control message discussed above. These messages areprovided to the user's home personal computer 110 and, particularly,read by the PC's DPVSM control system 312, in step 3508. Finally, thepersonal computer 110 sends control commands to the DPVSM 102 itself, instep 3510, which programs the video recorder 114 in response thereto.

In the voice portal embodiment discussed above, the voice portal engineis implemented by a service provider at a remote server. In otherembodiments, such a voice portal may be provided at the user's personalcomputer 110 itself. A block diagram of such an embodiment is shown inFIG. 32B. More particularly, FIG. 32B illustrates telephone 3310 and aportion of the DPVSM telecommunications system 100. Shown is a blockdiagram of a personal computer 110 including voice portal 3202 b. Thevoice portal 3202 b couples to the DPVSM control 312 and to a memory 304for storing voice portal information. In particular, the memory 304stores one or more files 3212 of voice parameters for the systemcommands of FIG. 32 and files that allow conversion between voice portalinputs and DPVSM recognizable commands. In certain embodiments, thevoice portal may be a submodule of the DPVSM control 312. The voiceportal 3202 b couples via a modem card 3220 to the PSTN (not shown). Thevoice portal 3202 b may be implemented using known voice recognitiontechnology.

Operation of this embodiment of the present invention is shown withreference to the flowchart of FIG. 36. At step 3602, the user calls infrom the telephone 3310 to his personal computer 110. As noted above,the call is to the user's home telephone number; the call is receivedvia modem 3220, which is coupled to the phone line. At step 3604, thevoice portal 3202 b generates the voice prompts to allow the user toinput the programming information, which is then received by the voiceportal 3202 b. In response, in step 3606, the voice portal 3202 baccesses the database 3212 to convert the received inputs into controlcommands readable by the DPVSM 102. Finally, at step 3608, the DPVSMcontrol 312 causes the commands to be transmitted to the DPVSM 102(FIG. 1) itself. The DPVSM 102 then controls the video recorder 114 forthe recording of the program.

It is noted that in the voice portal embodiments discussed above, theuser can speak the actual program name and related information. In otherembodiments, however, the voice portal system could maintain a databaseof programs and show times, each having a unique numerical identifier.The user could then log in to a web site to determine the particularshow's identifier, then dial in to the voice portal and input theidentifier, either by speaking or by DTMF or other keyed input.

Context-Based Search System

The above-described embodiments for remote control of the DPVSM 102 andprogram recording generally assume that the user has an idea of whatchannel and time the show occurs. It may, however, be the case that theuser has only a general idea of the time, date and channel a show is on.This may particularly be the case if the show is a one time sportingevent. A context-based search system according to embodiments of thepresent invention allows a user to control his DVPSM remotely, even whennot immediately possessed of complete programming information.

Operation of such an embodiment of the present invention is shown moreparticularly with reference to FIG. 37. In a step 3702, a user composesa DPVSM control message, such as an e-mail, IM, or SMS message, or logsin to a voice portal, such as described above. At step 3704, the searchsystem extracts keywords from the message or other inputs. For example,the search system could maintain a database of keywords such as“football,” “boxing,” or program titles and network, or approximatedates or ranges of dates. Next, at a step 3706, the search systemsearches a program database for occurrences of the keywords. If found,the search system composes a selection message, identifying programs inwhich the keywords are found, and sends it to the user. At a step 3710,the user can receive the message and make the selection. In oneembodiment, each choice may be provided with a one or two digitidentifier. When this is received back, the DPVSM recording may occur.

An exemplary DPVSM context-based search system according to embodimentsof the preset invention is shown in FIG. 38. The system 3800 includesDPVSM system 100, server 3802, remote user 3804, and one or more networkservers 3806 a-3806 n. The DPVSM system 100 may be generally similar tothat discussed above. The network servers 3806 a-3806 n provideprogramming information to the server 3802 databases, as will beexplained in greater detail below.

The search server 3802 includes a message receiver 3902, a keyworddatabase 3808, a program database 3816, a channel access search unit3810, a keyword extractor 3812, a message search unit 3814, aconfirmation message generator 3818, and a DPVSM message generator 3820.The message receiver 3902 receives the user's control message; the user3804 may employ any of the above-described remote access methods toaccess the search system 3802.

As will be explained in greater detail below, the keyword database 3808maintains a listing of program keywords that can be extracted from theincoming user message. The keyword extractor 3812 receives the incomingmessage, accesses the keyword database 3808 and extracts any keywordsfrom the message. The message search unit 3814 uses the extractedkeyword(s) to search the program database 3816, which is the listing ofprogram times and scheduling. The program database 3816 may beprogrammed via the channel access search unit 3810, which accesses thenetwork servers 3806 for programming information. The confirmationmessage generator 3818 generates a confirmation or selection messagewhich is sent to the user once the program database has been searched.The DPVSM controller 312 then receives the user's selection and sendscontrol messages to the DPVSM system 100. The DPVSM system can thenconvert the control message to one or more control commands for causingthe DPVSM 102 to program the video recording device.

Operation of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated moreparticularly with reference to the signaling diagram of FIG. 39. Shownis the search system 3802, a remote user 3804, and the DPVSM system 100.

At 3904, the user's programming control message is sent to the searchsystem 3802. In particular, a message receiver 3902 receives theincoming message from the user. The message may be in a Short MessageService format, an Instant Messaging format, an e-mail format, or avoice portal format. The message receiver sends the message to thekeyword extractor 3812, at 3906. The keyword extractor 3812 accesses thekeyword database 3808, at 3908. The extracted keywords are provided tothe message search unit 3814, at 3910. At 3912, the message search unit3814 accesses the program database 3816. The results, if any, are thenprovided to the confirmation message generator 3818, at 3914. Theconfirmation message generator 3818 then, at 3916, generates a messageincluding search matches in the appropriate received format. Thus, forexample, if the message was an IM message, the confirmation message willlikewise be an IM message. The user can then make a selection of theappropriate program and return an acknowledge message, at 3918. TheDPVSM controller 3820 then receives the program information at 3920.Finally, the DPVSM controller 3820 sends one or more control messages,such as the e-mail or IM control messages discussed above, to the DPVSMsystem 100, at 3922. Typically, the message is received by the user's PC110, which generates one or more control commands, and handling proceedsin a manner similar to that discussed above.

As noted above, the search system 3802 can access one or more networkservers 3806 to determine programming schedules. This is illustrated inFIG. 40. Shown are the channel access search unit 3810 and the programdatabase 3816, as well as an exemplary network server 3806. The channelaccess search unit may be an automated Internet browser plug in thatperiodically accesses the network server 3806, at 4002. The informationis received at 4004 and provided to the channel database 3816 at 4006.Any formatting changes, if necessary, can be made by the channel accesssearch unit 3816.

The invention described in the above detailed description is notintended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents ascan reasonably be included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A telecommunications method, comprising: receiving one or moree-mails including a digital personal media stream manager electronicmessaging (e-mail) control message over a broadband connection, saide-mails being received at an e-mail client in a computer coupled to saidbroadband connection, said e-mail client including a digital personalmedia stream manager control plug in identifying one of said e-mails assaid digital personal media stream manager control e-mail controlmessage; extracting control commands from said digital personal mediastream manager e-mail control message; forwarding extracted said controlcommands over a local area network (LAN) to a digital personal mediastream manager coupled to said broadband connection; and using saidextracted control commands by said digital personal media stream managerto control programming of a video recording device, said digitalpersonal media stream manager separately coupled to said video recordingdevice and providing control over said separate connection.
 2. Atelecommunications method in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidforwarding comprises transmitting said extracted control commands oversaid local area network, said digital personal media stream managerproviding video recording device control over said separate connectionresponsive to receiving said extracted control commands.
 3. Atelecommunications method in accordance with claim 2, wherein saiddigital personal media stream manager is a digital personal video streammanager (DPVSM) coupled to said broadband connection by a separatelycoupled set-top box and adapted to convert broadband media to mediafiles useable on said local area network and convert media files fromsaid local area network to a format viewable on a television; and saidcomputer is coupled to said broadband connection by a broadband modemand sends said control commands over a router to said LAN and over saidLAN to said digital personal media stream manager.
 4. Atelecommunications method in accordance with claim 3, furthercomprising: checking each said digital personal media stream managere-mail control message for a valid password, said control commands beingforwarded to said DPVSM only from digital personal media stream managere-mail control messages having a valid password; and using said DPVSM tocontrol recording of broadband media using said video recording deviceor as digitized media files.
 5. A telecommunications system, comprising:a connection to a broadband network; a media subsystem coupled to saidbroadband network to receive broadband media, said media subsystemincluding: a television coupled to said for viewing said broadbandmedia, a local area network, and a digital personal video stream manager(DPVSM) operably coupled to said television and separately to said localarea network, said DPVSM adapted to convert said broadband media tomedia files useable on said local area network and convert media filesfrom said local area network to a format viewable on said television; anetwork subsystem coupled to said broadband network connection and tosaid DPVSM over said local area network, said network subsystemincluding a computer having a DPVSM controller and a memory for storingmedia files; wherein said DPVSM controller is adapted to receive mediafiles from said DPVSM via said local area network and transmit mediafiles to said DPVSM via said local area network; and wherein saidcomputer includes an e-mail client including a DPVSM plug in and isadapted to receive DPVSM control e-mails for controlling operation ofsaid DPVSM, said DPVSM plug in identifying said digital personal mediastream manager control e-mail control message from received e-mails,said DPVSM controller passing media control from said DPVSM controle-mails to said DPVSM.
 6. A telecommunications system in accordance withclaim 5, said media subsystem further including a video recordingdevice, wherein said DPVSM controls said video recording deviceresponsive to said DPVSM control e-mails, said control commands fromsaid DPVSM control e-mails being provided to said DPVSM over said localarea network.
 7. A telecommunications system in accordance with claim 6,wherein said computer is configured to download one or more media filesfrom said Internet and transmit said one or more media files over arouter to said local area network to said DPVSM for viewing on saidtelevision.
 8. A telecommunications system in accordance with claim 7,wherein each of said DPVSM control e-mails includes a password, saidDPVSM plug in checking each said password, only said control commandsaccompanied by a valid password being forwarded to said DPVSM andwherein said local area network is a wireless local area network.
 9. Atelecommunications system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said DPVSMcontroller is adapted to determine one or more program schedules viasaid Internet and cause said DPVSM to supervise a recording of a programbased on said schedule.
 10. A telecommunications system in accordancewith claim 9, wherein said recording comprises converting said programto one or more media files and transmitting said one or more media filesover said local area network to said computer.
 11. A telecommunicationsmethod, comprising: receiving one or more broadband media streams over abroadband connection; receiving e-mails over said broadband connection,said e-mails being received in an e-mail client including a digitalpersonal video stream manager (DPVSM) control plug in; identifying onesof said e-mails as DPVSM control e-mails by said DPVSM control plug in;extracting control commands from said DPVSM control e-mails; passingextracted said control commands over a local area network (LAN) from aDPVSM control module to a DPVSM; and controlling recording of said oneor more broadband media streams remotely by said DPVSM, said DPVSMseparately from said LAN providing control to one or more devicesrecording said one or more broadband media streams.
 12. Atelecommunications method in accordance with claim 11, wherein saidcontrolling recording comprises receiving said e-mails at a personalcomputer operably coupled to a local area network.
 13. Atelecommunications method in accordance with claim 12, furthercomprising transmitting one or more said control commands over saidlocal area network to said DPVSM, said DPVSM being adapted to control avideo recording device.
 14. A telecommunications method in accordancewith claim 13, wherein said transmitting comprises transmitting over arouter to a wireless local area network, and said telecommunicationsmethod further comprises checking each of said DPVSM control e-mails fora valid password, said control commands being forwarded to said DPVSMonly from DPVSM control e-mails having a valid password.
 15. Ahome-based multimedia telecommunications system, comprising: a localarea network; a television in a entertainment subsystem; a broadbandconnection for receiving one or more broadband media streams at saidtelevision and for connecting to the Internet; a digital personal mediastream manager (DPVSM) operably coupled in said entertainment subsystemto said broadband connection and separately to said local area networkand adapted to digitize said one or more broadband media streams fromsaid broadband connection as one or more media files and transmit saidone or more media files from said entertainment subsystem over saidlocal area network to a personal computer, said personal computerincluding an e-mail client including a DPVSM control plug in and a DPVSMcontrol module and coupled to said broadband network; wherein said DPVSMis adapted to interface playback and recording of said one or more mediafiles on said personal computer or said television; and wherein saidDPVSM receives control commands identified in said e-mail client by saidDPVSM control plug in as DPVSM control e-mails and forwarded over saidlocal area network to said DPVSM by said DPVSM control module.
 16. Ahome-based multimedia telecommunications system in accordance with claim15, further comprising: said broadband connection receiving one or moreInternet media files at said computer; said DPVSM being adapted tointerface playing back in said entertainment subsystem said one or moremedia files via said television; and a router coupling said computer tosaid local area network.
 17. A home-based multimedia telecommunicationssystem in accordance with claim 16, wherein said personal computer isadapted to download a program schedule for setting a video recordingdevice via said DPVSM to record said one or more broadband mediastreams.
 18. A home-based multimedia telecommunications system inaccordance with claim 15, wherein said DPVSM includes an infraredinterface for controlling said playback.
 19. A home-based multimediatelecommunications system with claim 15, wherein said DPVSM includes alocal area network interface for transmitting said one or more mediafiles via a local area network.
 20. A telecommunications method inaccordance with claim 19, wherein each of said DPVSM control e-mailsincludes a password, said DPVSM plug in checking each said password,only said control commands accompanied by a valid password beingforwarded to said DPVSM and wherein said local area network is awireless local area network.